The Columbia River is open year-round and there are two incredible fisheries on this river, Rainbow Trout and Walleye. The Rainbow Trout is a native species to the river and the Walleye is an invasive species. Both can be caught year-round. Our main seasons are Spring, Summer, and Fall.
At Columbia River Fly Fishing we target Rainbow Trout using either single hand fly rods or two-handed fly rods, depending on the time of year and water level, and we either fish from the boat or walk and wade.
The trout in this section of the river usually range between 16 inches and 20 inches but they can also get much larger and fish over 30 inches are caught every year! These bigger fish can be targeted in the early spring and late summer and fall when the river is at its lower flows.
There are a lot of different ways to fly fishing the Columbia River and we do it all. From indicator fishing in the back eddies to walking and wading, and two-handed fishing the beautiful big runs. Our guides have years and years of river experience so you will have a safe and comfortable fly fishing trip.
Columbia River Fly Fishing provides all the necessary equipment needed for your trip including fly rods, flies, and expert Spey casting instruction (if you are Spey fishing, don’t be shy we offer trips for novices to experts). If you don’t have a PFD we will provide them for you. You will need your waders and wading boots, felts and cleats are recommended.
The boats you will be fishing from are 18 foot G3 Yamaha center console jet boats, they are great for fishing out of, and they are great for getting you to the best locations on the river. We fish up to 2 anglers per boat and groups up to 4 anglers. We outfit our boats with 10ft 5 weight Orvis fly rods, and we also have 7 weight outfits for swinging flies and Spey rods if needed.
The Columbia River in the West Kootenays is home to one of the best Walleye fisheries in all of Western Canada. This fishery is so strong that the daily limit is 16 per person. These fish average 1.5 lbs – 3 lbs. Walleye are not native to the Columbia River and all walleye caught should be kept. They are one of the best-eating fish there is.
We either jig or troll for them depending on which area of the river we are fishing. We have all the necessary gear available for our guests.
We are open year-round for Walleye Fishing, spring, summer, fall and winter!
We are located in West Kootenays of BC, nestled between Castlegar and Trail. There are 35 miles of untouched river to fish, from the Hugh Kennyside damn on Arrow lakes to the USA border. This fishery is one of the best tailwater fisheries in the world.
Matt run’s an 18ft center console sled with a 80 Yamaha jet and a big electric motor. On any given day, all manners of fly fishing works, dry flies, nymphing, swinging flies and two handed rods can be employed if guests want to get out of the boat and fish. Matt is a professional guide, both salt and fresh water.
A day on the water with Bruce will have you drinking some fine coffee and working on your casting and fly presentation with the chance to hook up with some trophy rainbows. I will get you into the groove of speycasting, no matter what skill level you’re at, and help you read the big water that is the Columbia.
A fresh water fishing license is required. Find out more about getting your license.
Super 8 Hotel
Reservations: 1-888-828-5331
Sandman Inn
Email: reservations@sandman.ca
Phone: 250-365-8444
Glenwood Inn and Suites
Phone: 250-368-5522
Best Western
Phone: 250-368-3355
Crown Columbia Hotel
Phone: 250-368-3296
Email: rossland@prestigehotels.ca
Phone: 250-362-7375
For more info about fishing the Columbia River, check out WeSportFish.
*Castlegar and Trail are both approximately a 15 min drive from Genelle boat ramp, while Rossland is approximately 20 min and Red Mountain is about 25 min.
With over 30 kilometers of fishing and 1,500 fish per kilometer, the Columbia is a fly fisher’s dream.
Located on the upper Columbia River, in the West Kootenays, near Castlegar and Trail BC.
2.5 hrs from Spokane, Washington
7 hrs from Vancouver, BC
7 hrs from Calgary, AB
info@columbiariverflyfishing.com
Toll Free Reservations 1-866-964-5220
Office 1-250-332-5220